LINDA LEE HOCHSTETLER
Linda Lee (Varner) Hochstetler of Batesville, passed away unexpectedly on January 16, 2021, after battling a variety of non-Covid health issues over the last several months. She was 68 years old.
Born on January 20, 1952, in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of Everett ‘Bud’ and Martha J. (Henrichs) Varner. The 1970 Southport High School graduate went on to receive degrees from Ball State University in 1974, and Indiana University in 1979.
Linda had a passion for teaching over her 38 years as a teacher and through her many roles in the Batesville Educators Association as a strong advocate for students, teachers and public education. She started teaching at Oakland City Elementary School then St. Louis School, moving to Westwood Elementary, where she taught Kindergarten with up to 35 students per class some years. The Kindergarten teachers there took Mousekersize from her classroom to halftime performances at the high school basketball games. Finally, she transferred to second grade when the Batesville Primary School opened and remained until her retirement in 2012.
Sewing, cooking and watching General Hospital were a few of her favorite things to do. She was ever the organizer, planner and Disney enthusiast. Her wit and warm smile were always appreciated. Over the years, she could be found attending all types of events in which her sons participated. Family was truly important to her and she especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.
She will be dearly missed by her husband of 46 years, Ralph Hochstetler; sons, Ryan (fiancé LeeAnn Heppner) and Jay (Kerri) Hochstetler all of Batesville; grandchildren, Kaylee, Braden, Camryn, Emma and Lydia; sisters, Cherie (Mike) Lakes of Greenwood, and Marcia Douglas of Lafayette; sisters in law, Mardelle Wenger of Fort Wayne, IN and Debby Slusser of Dunedin, FL; brother in law, Darrell Hochstetler of Nappanee; four nieces, five nephews, five great nieces and eight great nephews; along with dear friends Linda (the late Steve) Mills of Batesville and Mary Ann Capehart of Mulberry, FL.
Calling of friends and family will be Sunday, January 24, 2021, from 1-3 p.m., at Meyers Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to Give Kids the World, Inc. or Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. by bringing to service or mailing to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
In accordance with the Indiana COVID-19 precautions, all attending are required to wear a mask and follow proper social distancing protocol, capacity is limited to 25 at a time for visitation. If you are not feeling well, or if you have compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.